Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
48. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence his views on the concerns of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to an evident culture across the Defence Forces which is masculine and has a limited appreciation of diversity of all kinds [13251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would therefore, be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
Notwithstanding this, I believe that it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies. The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
On foot of engagements both I and my officials have had in recent months, with a number of stakeholders, including both serving and former members, I have publicly acknowledged that the systems, policies and pervading culture in the Defence Forces, have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
As the Deputy will be aware, the recently established Independent Review Group, under the Chair of retired High Court Judge, Bronagh O’Hanlon, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture.
The Independent Review Group willl, in particular,:
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- Provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces are able undertake their duties in a work place that is safe, and and underpinned by core principles of dignity and equality and where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour. I have set an ambitious timetable for the Group and I have requested an interim report within 6 months with a final report within 12 months, which I intend to bring to Government.
